December 06, 2013

Thai architecture

I was looking for the 2002 joint issue of Sweden and Thailand,
depicting royal palaces, which I needed because it was engraved by Slania. The Thai half of this set depicts the Dusit Maha
Prasat Throne Hall in Bangkok, a stunning 18th century building in a
crucifix form.

When I received it, it came with another set, depicting Thai
architecture. Again from 2002, it is a set depicting Thai temples. The architecture,
but also the design of stamps, is so beautiful that I just had to share it with
you.

On the first 3 baht value we find the Temple of the Emerald
Buddha. This is the Royal Chapel which was initiated by King Rama I, the first
king of the Chakri Dynasty.

The second 3 baht value shows Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon
Mangkhalarm, better known as Thailand’s first public university. It is a centre
of Thai knowledge but it is also known for its beautiful mural paintings.

On the 4 baht we find the Temple of the Dawn. This used to
be the Royal Chapel, in the Thon Buri period, inthe second half of the eighteenth century. The
first light of dawn actually reflects off the surface of the temple, hence its
name. It is world famous for its stupa or prang, or pagoda, or spire, or
whatever you’d like to call it, which contains Buddhist relics.

Finally, we have the 12 baht, illustrating the Marble Temple,
which was commissioned by King Chulalongkorn. The main chapel was completely built
from white Carrara Italian marble.

The set shows how stamps could (should?)showcase a country’s heritage. It makes such
an issue so much more valuable than just bunging roses or fishes (to mention just
a few other Thai issues from 2002) on a stamp.

So well done, Thailand, for showing the world that even
modern stamps can be beautiful and worthwhile!

Thai joint issues usually commemorate the anniversaries of the establishment of diplomatic relations. So perhaps the Thai-Swedish joint issue was to mark that anniversary.The Thai Post has a number of joint issues with its South East Asian neighbours.